Lionel Messi Dominates on Debut for Inter Miami, Securing a Stunning 4-0 Victory against Atlanta United in Leagues Cup
Lionel Messi shines in his debut for Inter Miami, scoring two goals in a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlanta United Robert Taylor also impresses with a brace, securing Miami's group win in the prestigious Leagues Cup tournament
Lionel Messi wasted no time on his first start with the MLS side, scoring two goals in the first half and providing an assist in the second. His stellar performance led Inter Miami to a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, securing their place in the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup.
The Argentina captain, with a pass from former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, received the ball and, after initially striking the post, confidently netted the rebound to seize the lead for Miami in the eighth minute, eliciting resounding cheers of approval from the home crowd.
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Messi celebrates the first of his two goals
In the 22nd minute, Messi successfully scored his second goal of the match by connecting with a cross from Robert Taylor. Both players showcased their skills on a sweltering evening in Miami.
Following his goal, Messi took a moment to acknowledge Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who was present at the game. This gesture brought a wide smile to the face of the former Manchester United midfielder, as he played a pivotal role in convincing Messi to join Major League Soccer despite a lucrative counter-offer from Saudi Arabia.
Atlanta had a late penalty opportunity to score, thanks to Thiago Almada. However, Miami's goalkeeper, Drake Callender, was able to anticipate it and maintain a clean sheet.
As Messi, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was replaced in the 78th minute, he shared a hug with his compatriot Almada. Following the game, they swapped jerseys.
The 36-year-old Messi had a remarkable debut in MLS during Friday's game against Cruz Azul. Coming in as a substitute, he sealed their victory with a sensational set-piece goal during added time. This outstanding performance allowed Miami to secure the top position in their group within the Leagues Cup tournament. The tournament follows a World Cup format and includes teams from both MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.
